John Carpenter’s PRINCE OF DARKNESS Makes Its 4K UHD Debut In The US January 19th!

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It’s the last day of the weekend fright fans and you know what that means – it’s Sunday Shorts Review Day! That’s right genre fans we’re taking all the shorts that have been seen thus far via the SCREAMFEST HORROR DRIVE IN FILM FESTIVAL 2020 (go to www.screamfestla.com for more details!) currently taking place October 6th – 15th right from the safety and comfort of your own car at the Regency Theatres – The Plant Drive In (7876 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys CA 91402) and putting them on the skinny review (matching their equally short running time!) chopping block for your carnal convenience. And there are a whopping thirty-one below – so let’s get started. Time for…Sunday Shorts – 31 Reviews!
Continue reading ‘Screamfest 2020 – Sunday Shorts Reviews (Thirty-One)’
It’s underway fright film fans and the tricks and treats are flowing link blood from an open wound! That’s right kiddies the yearly genre spectacle that is the SCREAMFEST HORROR DRIVE IN FILM FESTIVAL 2020 (go to www.screamfestla.com for more details!) is currently taking place October 6th – 15th right from the safety and comfort of your own car at the Regency Theatres – The Plant Drive In (7876 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys CA 91402) and thus far it’s been a notable slew of flicks. We’re keeping our own comprehensive coverage via WhySoBlu.com going by taking a reviews gander at some of the films that have unspooled thus far for those looking for some critical skinny. Anthologies, slashers and get-togethers turned deadly – below are the encapsulated opinions on three new features for your consideration. Check out thoughts on features Books Of Blood, Initiation and An Ideal Host via our…First Film Reviews!
David (Bobby Soto) and Creeper (Shia LaBeouf), are “tax collectors” for the crime lord Wizard, collecting his cut from the profits of local gangs’ illicit dealings. But when Wizard’s old rival returns to Los Angeles from Mexico, the business is upended, and David finds himself desperate to protect what matters more to him than anything else: his family. Written and directed by David Ayer (Fury, Suicide Squad), the action/thriller stars Bobby Soto (The Quarry, A Better Life), Cinthya Carmona (A Dark Foe), George Lopez (River Runs Red) and Shia LaBeouf (Honey Boy, Fury). The Tax Collector was released in a STEELBOOK 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy EXCLUSIVE October 6, 2020. The Tax Collector 4K will be available at other major retailers starting December 8, 2020. Continue reading ‘The Tax Collector (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
Warner Archive Collection is adding the 1990 film Reversal of Fortune to their roster for October. Based on a true story, the film tells a tale from a high profile case of law professor Alan Dershowitz and the murder trial of Claus von Bulow. Historically, besides being a well received film, it is notable for being the film that landed Jeremy Irons the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film also earned nominations for Best Director and Best Screenplay Based on Material From Another Medium. It features plenty of familiar faces in the cast sporting early roles in their respective careers. Coming along for the ride as bonus materials are a trailer and a commentary. The film is now available for pre-order. The release date is October the 13th (Oooh, big competition for that Friday the 13th set!), and you can use the paid Amazon Associates link below to pre-order and have upon release. Or you can secure a copy by ordering straight from Warner Archive Collection’s site. Continue reading ‘Reversal Of Fortune (Blu-ray Review)’
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that The Hobbit Trilogy and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, from Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson, will be available for the first time on 4K UHD on December 1. From New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, the two epic trilogies include the theatrical and extended versions of the six films in 4K UHD with HDR. The Hobbit Trilogy includes The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy includes The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, which won Academy Awards® for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Both trilogies will also include Digital copies of both versions of each film. 4K Ultra HD** showcases 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (HDR) and a wider color spectrum, offering consumers brighter, deeper, and more lifelike colors for a home entertainment viewing experience like never before. The 4K remastering process was overseen by Peter Jackson. Continue reading ‘Experience The 4K UHD Glory Of Middle Earth As THE LORD OF THE RINGS & THE HOBBIT Trilogies Arrive December 1st!’
Two interesting concepts come together as one in the latest DC Comics Animated Universe film (Going under a “DC Showcase” banner). One of their most requested stories for adaptation is the Death in the Family arc from the late 1980s. You know, the “Death of Robin”. In a nifty little touch, that is almost a fitting tribute of how things went down back then, they are utilizing a choose your own adventure approach to the film, allowing you to pick certain fates which leads to one of seven possible endings. This is a short film, but getting through these unlocks different routes, storylines or takes on similar scenes. In addition to Death in the Family, it features four other DC Showcase shorts. And there are commentaries for everything as a bonus feature. Warner Bros is set to release this on October 13th. It well to know that the digital version does not have the choose your own path option, but does include streamlined versions of some predetermined routes. However, one of the endings is only found on the disc version. Considering the Blu-ray comes with a digital code, why not go this avenue?
Continue reading ‘Batman: Death In The Family (Blu-ray Review)’
After years of waiting, all of the superhero movie fans were finally treated to the latest installment in the X-Men film franchise, a spin-off taking on more of a horror sensibility. Yes, The New Mutants was a real movie that actually did come out in theaters, and it turned into the biggest Marvel movie of the Summer. In this action-filled film, five young people who demonstrate special powers are forced to undergo treatment at a secret institution – allegedly to cure them of the dangers of their powers. But it’s soon clear that their containment is part of a much bigger battle between the forces of good and evil! The film arrives on Digital, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on Nov. 17.
When I saw the trailer for Drop Dead Gorgeous and then once the film released in 1999, later on home video, I just poked my nose up and said “nah!” and carried on. Young, adolescent, ignorant and stupid as I was in my youth as a “film lover” and one studying the art. I had heard this film had a pretty solid reputation over the years, and my curiosity to right my wrong of not even giving it a chance back in the day never scratched the itch. Once Warner Archive Collection announced it and offered it up for review, this was my opportunity to finally go back and check out the film. They’ve released it for the first time on the format this week (October 6th is the actual street day), and you can order it from them or the paid Amazon Associates link at the end of the review. Unfortunately, aside from the film’s trailer, there aren’t any old or new extras to be found on the disc. But, fans should rejoice in what is a pretty excellent presentation for the film in its first showing on Blu-ray.
Continue reading ‘Drop Dead Gorgeous (Blu-ray Review)’
4K BLUsday is yet again upon us! Did all your new releases arrive on unscathed? One of mine didn’t! Last week was as packed as the previous, but there were some quality announcements nonetheless. I’m looking VERY forward to the new version of The Godfather III! On the latest episode of 4K BLUsday on The Brandon Peters Show, I go over all of this and more. Listen to the podcast version then watch here or head over to YouTube to see the video companion where I showcase some of today’s new releases as well as new review arrivals for me and more. Remember to subscribe to whatever avenue you choose and not miss out on making this stuff fun to share!
The social media world was set ablaze back when it was announced that Patrick Stewart would be reprising his iconic role of Jean Luc Picard of Star Trek: The Next Generation on a new show for the CBS All Access service. Those not even curious on jumping to check out to discover were all of a sudden like “OH I LOVE CBS! HOW WONDERFUL!”. Simply titled Picard, the show picks up with him well past retirement and spurned on a new quest revolving around his long gone comrade, Data. The featured some familiar faces and a rogue mission for the aged stalwart and warmed the hearts of many a Trekkie. CBS/Paramount are doing the right thing and give them the chance to collect it in physical form when it comes to Blu-ray on October 6th. There are plenty of bonus features to go around, including the Short Treks episode that leads into the show that was not included on the Short Treks compilation Blu-ray from a few months ago. You can ahead and order yourself a copy from the paid Amazon link below.
Continue reading ‘Star Trek: Picard – Season One (Blu-ray Review)’
RLJE Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, will release the documentary/horror series ELI ROTH’S HISTORY OF HORROR SEASON 1 on October 6, 2020 on DVD and Blu-ray. Award-winning horror film director, writer, producer and actor Eli Roth brings together the masters of horror – the storytellers and stars who define the genre – to explore its biggest themes and reveal the inspirations and struggles behind its past and present. Each one-hour episode will take viewers on a chilling exploration of how horror has evolved through the years and examine the genre’s impact on society as well as delving into how horror maintains its fan base and why audiences are addicted to fear. Interviewees include Stephen King, Quentin Tarantino, Linda Blair and many others. Eli Roth’s History of Horror Season 1 will be released on Blu-ray October 6, 2020! Read our Blu-ray review now! Continue reading ‘Eli Roth’s ‘History of Horror’ Season 1 (Blu-ray Review)’
In THE PALE DOOR, the Dalton gang find shelter in a seemingly uninhabited ghost town after a train robbery goes south. Seeking help for their wounded leader, they are surprised to stumble upon a welcoming brothel in the town’s square. But the beautiful women who greet them are actually a coven of witches with very sinister plans for the unsuspecting outlaws – and the battle between good and evil is just beginning. Directed by Aaron B. Koontz (Scare Package) who also co-wrote the script with Cameron Burns (Camera Obscura) and Keith Lansdale (“Creepshow”), THE PALE DOOR stars Devin Druid (“13 Reasons Why”), Zachary Knighton (“Happy Endings”), Noah Segan (Knives Out), Stan Shaw (The Monster Squad), Pat Healy (Cheap Thrills), Bill Sage (We Are What We Are), Melora Walters (“PEN15”, Magnolia) and Natasha Bassett (Hail, Caesar!). The Pale Door is released on Blu-ray & DVD October 6, 2020! Read our Pale Door Blu-ray review now! Continue reading ‘The Pale Door (Blu-ray Review)’
A horrifying, suspenseful thriller comes home when Antebellum arrives on 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, Digital, and On Demand November 3 from Lionsgate. The film is currently available on Premium Video On Demand and was the top grossing title over the first two weeks of its debut. Featuring an all-star cast including Janelle Monáe (Hidden Figures, Moonlight, Harriet), Eric Lange (TV’s “Escape at Dannemora,” “Narcos,” “Lost”), Jena Malone (Contact, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Neon Demon), Jack Huston (Kill Your Darlings, American Hustle, Ben-Hur), Kiersey Clemons (Dope, Sweetheart, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising), and Gabourey Sidibe (Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire, TV’s “Empire,” Tower Heist), and the film aims to spark a “new and innovative way of talking about modern issues” (Janelle Monáe). Continue reading ‘ANTEBELLUM Arrives On 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray November 3rd!’
I’m not sure it was even planned for theatrical release to begin with, but the 2020 musical redress of 1983’s Valley Girl was one of the pandemic lockdowns brand new premium on demand offerings back in May. As a big fan of the original, I didn’t know how to feel about it, but casting Jessica Rothe of Happy Death Day fame in the lead had me at least interested in it. I’m not so sure how it faired money making-wise, but I didn’t notice too much buzz about it when it came out. There was a little chatter over the weekend, but that’s about it. Nevertheless, I found myself curious and when the offer to review it came up, I took the bait. The film is arriving in pretty bare bones fashion. You get the movie with one audio, one subtitle stream and a digital copy code to redeem. That’ really it. Its priced fairly, but you’d hope there’d be more confidence. You can go back to the 80s and have yourself a jam when the film arrives October 5th.
Continue reading ‘Valley Girl (2020) (Blu-ray Review)’
It should be no surprise to anyone that the dynamic duo, hilarious tag team of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum reprised their respective roles from 2012 in the appropriately titled 22 Jump Street (I’ll expand upon that more down below). I last talked about 21 Jump Street in my Blu-ray review over HERE in 2012 and just recently again in my 4K review of it HERE. I’m happy to report that I still have not seen a single episode from the original television series, but I’ve studied enough pop culture and seen enough comedies to pick up on references here and there. I’m smart like that, but I’m probably still missing out on a few gags here or there. However, make no mistake. I wasn’t looking forward to this one very much going into it theatrically. Like the sequel to the original Hangover film I had my doubts and wondered if this second outing would simply be a cash grab with the same story, etc. set in a different locale. Even if it was, I’d probably laugh, but I want so much more in life. I deserve more. Hear me roar! So the question that really matters is did I get what I was looking for? Check out the full 22 Jump Street 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray review below to find out! Continue reading ’22 Jump Street (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
What once was gone, now is found. Jean-Luc Godard’s Pierrot le Fou was one of the Criterion Collection’s first Blu-ray releases in 2009 before the rights were lost to StudioCanal. That initial release may be a collector’s item, but for those who want to see the film with a deluxe Criterion treatment, this re-release brings back the experimental French New Wave film with a new 2K digital restoration for all to view and enjoy. It may still be a confounding effort for some, but it looks excellent seeing this 60s film that was far ahead of its time.
– Continue reading ‘Pierrot Le Fou – The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
With this year being such a hard one, some cinematic escape is more than welcome and thankfully for horror film fans in Los Angeles there is a little Halloween treat in store. The genre loving geniuses over at Screamfest are proud to present the upcoming SCREAMFEST HORROR FILM FESTIVAL 2020 (go to www.screamfestla.com for more details!) taking place October 6th – 15th – DRIVE IN EDITION! That’s right fright fans you can get your scream on right from the comfort and safety of your own car this year as the 20th Annual version of this iconic fest will be taking place this year at the Regency Theatres – The Plant Drive In (7876 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys CA 91402) – and concessions and restrooms will be fully available alongside the big screen carnage. (Opening Night will be held at Calamigos Ranch – Screamfest Pop-up Drive-in at 327 Latigo Canyon Road Malibu, CA 90265) And as always the programmers of the fest do not disappoint with a lineup including 15 features and 73 shorts all ranging from cool classics to original insidious indies making their premieres. And as always I will be covering the fest for WhySoBlu.com to keep you informed of the gems and duds as they unspool. But first up a sneak peek – from love stories involving unusual couples – one alive, one dead – to a return to slasher teen horror and even film appearances by some iconic boogeymen, here is a look at what’s in store for fans for Screamfest 2020 – its …‘What To See’!
Continue reading ‘Screamfest 2020 Drive In Edition – “What To See”’